Tuesday, October 5, 2010

UPDATE: Observer reporters have now confirmed that the Panthers have cut Dwayne Jarrett. I'll update my blog more later on this and am also writing about this subject in my column for Wednesday's newspaper and online, but for now I'll just say: It's about time.

*********(Here's my earlier blog post from this morning, before the Panthers had cut Jarrett)

This is Jarrett's second DWI charge in three years -- he pleaded guilty to an earlier one in 2008 -- and it gives the 0-4 Panthers yet another black eye from one of the worst draft picks they've ever made.

I understand due process, and I'm not convicting Jarrett of anything here because I don't know the details. I'm sure the Panthers are hearing Jarrett's side of things right now if they haven't already.

But I will say this: If this is true, Jarrett needs to be fired. Immediately. Cut the ties and move on.

Here's the most damning statistic about Jarrett's four-year career with Carolina:

1 -- Number of touchdowns.2 -- Number of times arrested for DWI.

A second-round pick in 2007 who was supposed to be the next Muhsin Muhammad, the 24-year-old Jarrett has been a total flop on the field. He hasn't even been able to crack the starting lineup this season, with Muhammad retired. Jarrett is a nice enough guy, but he just doesn't care enough about his job.

Even given the fact that Steve Smith may be out for several weeks with a high ankle sprain, the Panthers are better off just going with the trio of wide-receiving rookies against Chicago Sunday rather than putting Jarrett on the field again. Whatever it costs monetarily, it's going to cost the Panthers far more in goodwill if they keep an association with this guy (if the charge is true).

Not only is Jarrett a bad player, if this charge is true, he is exercising extraordinarily bad judgment.

Again.

(Two other brief notes -- here's my column today on the Panthers, written prior to the Jarrett news. And I will be online from noon to 1 p.m. today answering your questions at CharlotteObserver.com about Jarrett, the Panthers, the Bobcats, NASCAR or whatever else is on your mind).

Well, it would be great if they could get a 6th or 7th round pick for Jarrett. But I don't think any team is going to give up a draft pick for this guy, given his total lack of production (35 catches and 1 TD in 3+ seasons) and his off-the-field problems. I think the Panthers might as well just cut him.

Seattle would be the only team that would want him because of Pete Carroll being their coach. But I don't think even they will be willing to give up anything for him. Everyone is just going to wait until we cut him. And we should cut him, and now.

And of course, with Murphy's Law ruling the universe, he will sign with someone within our division and instantly become an All Pro.

If he would stay out of the night clubs and the party scene he may be able to get his career on track. Im sick of seeing him and hearing about him throwing a party when he cant even learn the playbook.

Why are we so quick to rush and judge and convict these atheletes? Does the regular Joe have these same standards to live by? If Joe gets 1 maybe 2 CONVICTIONS,does he get fired from his 9to5 job? We as a society need to mind our own business.What if it was your picture and personal business plastered all over the news?

Dwayne Jarret's only hope at this point is Pete Carrol throwing him a life preserver. He will be gone within the week after "hearing his side of the story". They should give Amante Edwards a shot at the slot receiver position, put him in motion etc., etc.

Kenny Moore out-played him in the first place for the #2/#3 spot and never should have been cut. Bring back Kenny if availabale and cut JArrett. Kenny is donating to charities and Dwayne is donating to the jail system. Ricky Proehl worked with Kenny on and off the field.

wow...Richardson...why do you continue to make this team a JOKE....why was Dwayne back??? ...cause your cheap & would not pay for a legit #2 wr....go ahead and lock yourself out of the house...you stupid old crypt keeper...how dare you raise game prices and put this on the field???

Thought I would set things straight, I am not selling this team. Why would I when I have your money in my pocket, and a sure fire way of making oyu pay me every year? I OWN YOU! HAHAHAHAHA. I can't believe you actually bought my line of B.S. when I brought this team to Charlotte. What a bunch of backwoods fools! Gotta run, my Lambo is overheating. Thanks again suckers, errr I mean fans!!

I've been the biggets DJ supporter on these blogs and he's never been given a real chance at playing time to actually see how good he could be; however, I think this is why he's been in the dog house.One is excusable, two that close together is a pattern and problem. I'm not worried about trying to get anything for him; let him go and move on.

I heard Don Gregory, the Panther's Director of College Scouting, fell in love with Dwayne Jarett coming out of USC and is the real person responsible for him being here in Charlotte. People within the Panther organization will say Don Gregory (not John Fox) has been a strong advocate of Jarett since day one.

If you want to see something funny, watch Don Gregory go into his back pedal on this one. He will do a complete 180 on this poor kid now. We, the fans, knew Jarrett was a fraud from day one. He had great college production (and so did Mike Williams coming out of USC) but was extremely lazy and to top it all off, he couldn't run a lick. Jarrett was a snake according Jake Delhomme. He was always looking for a way to get out of work. marty Hurney only kept him around (1) so their scouting director wouldn't look like complete idiot; and (2) they were stuck, they couldn't move him because no one else wanted him.

The Dwayne Jarett ERA is officially over in Charlotte starting today. We will now see his replacement, Armanti Edwards a projection as a receiver that the Panther's brain trust, targeted in last year draft. They gave up next year's second round pick (which will be a very high 2nd rd pick) to secure him. Those are two pretty high picks for a player who you never seen play receiver in a college game. Just another roll of the dice for the Panthers scouting department. Sometimes you come up big and sometimes it comes back to bite you where it hurts.

Richardson needs to stand up and be accounted for. just look at what the forty niners and now, the dolphins, just did to their assistant coaches. That's BS in my opinion. Everyone is accountable in this industry and it starts at the top. as soon as you start pointing the finger, there are three that are pointing right back at you. The lock-out can't come soon enough.

Julius Peppers is loving every moment of the crumbling of the Panther's organization. Ever since the Big Cat called him out at practice about becoming more of a leader. Pep knew this day was coming that's why he couldn't wait to get the hell out of here. Good luck on Sunday Pep. I will be watching you.

Surprise, surprise! Yet ANOTHER Panther player in trouble with the law. It is said of any quality organization - success starts at the top. And it all begins with personal accountability. The Panther's are not successful and no one can argue there is (or has been) ANY accountability with this team ... especially at the top! With an owner who refuses talking to the media, refuses talking to fans, fires both sons from the organization, cuts talented veterans, runs off Bill Polian, has the play by play guy fired over a personal vendetta, refuses signing quality free agents, and then raises ticket prices in the midst of the worst economy in 60 years. Such arrogance at the top - is it any wonder players display the same towards the law? The most troubling part of the Panther's dismal story this season is not their 0-4 record, not their general manager who seems clueless in determining reality and/or the truth, not an offensive coordinator to whom the Cleveland Browns said no thanks, not a lame duck coach lacking creativity and/or competitive fire, and not the majority of their players whose lack of focus is only surpassed by a lack of professional level talent. No. These are byproducts of the main issue. Ownership!

Jerry Richardson's true colors are bleeding through and those colors are not Blue, Black, and Silver. The color is green. Simply put, Jerry Richardson is determined using whatever means necessary to increase his profits. And unfortunately, as Charlotte's history with sports and their owners shows, some fans remain blinded by their loyalty.

Any successful owner in professional sports will tell you a desire to win cannot be linked to a desire making money. Winning comes from employing the best available in each and every position. And doing so requires SPENDING money, not making money. If making money is #1, you will never be #1.

The fact Jerry Richardson is willing to ruin this team and stick it to the fans in preparation for the lock out, is evidence of one focus, one concern. Himself. You can spin it any way you wish, tell everyone it is strategic planning, call it a "youth movement" - call it whatever you wish. But nothing changes fact. And the fact is Jerry Richardson does not care about this city, Jerry Richardson does not care about winning, Jerry Richardson does not care about ticket holders. Jerry Richardson cares about Jerry Richardson.

Each time you go to a game, each time you renew your PSL's, each time you wake up on Monday morning to news and reviews of another defeat, another display of lack luster effort - ask yourself, what evidence is there for arguing Richardson truly cares? What evidence is there Jerry Richardson wants to win? What evidence is there Jerry Richardson is focused on winning and not making money? 31 other owners face the possibility of a lock out. Yet - several teams continue winning, continue developing young players, and continue a tradition of quality - throughout the ranks of the organization. Each of those teams (New England, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh) all have owners willing to spend the money - and spend it wisely. They are also keenly aware of their accountability to their fan base.

Jerry Richardson is above being accountable. Jerry Richardson cares only about himself. And with such arrogance ruling supreme - even if the Panthers were to go after free agents, no one truly interested and focused on winning (players or otherwise) will ever desire being part of this organization. Thus the reason we are stuck with the likes of Dwayne Jarrett, Marty Hurney, and Jeff Davidson. Mediocre at best - and not at all fearful of their failures. Why should they be? They know better than anyone ... the Carolina Panthers aren't about winning, they are about making money. It starts at the top and produces exactly what we have. An 0-4 record and a team in complete disarray.

Fire Jarett is the easy thing to do. What about the guy that brought him in that I just read about. i would fire him too. Thats were the prolem lies. its not the players fault its the guys that are responsible for bringing them in. anyone one who ever played college football would know that. My college coach was very family oriented. he created a family atmosphere that was a strong part of his recruiting philosophy. you don't necessarily need the best players but you do need the right players. its called team chemistry. anyway, when the the recruits came in on their visits if any of the players that were already on the team didn't like being around the ones being recruited, they weren't brought in. Its simple. you don't want any turds in your family, do you? Jarett was a turd that put up good numbers at USC. Once a turd, always a turd!

I'm with Jarrett. I would want to get drunk too if I played for the Panthers. He should have been smarter than that and just called that service that picks these guys up after nights like these. Its too bad but the panthers organization led him into this situation.

Hey Hurney, Do me a favor and just resign! I have no doubt in my mind that I can do a better job than you when it comes to evaluating players and hiring coaches. You were hired by Bobby Beathard back in Washington and brought to San Diego with him. Do you recall Ryan Leaf? You have no idea what you are doing, do you. I don't think you ever played or coached football but I think you did cover it as a writer. Typical Jock Sniffer. Well I haven't been as lucky as you. My wife and I struggle to make ends meat but I know I could do a better job than you if I just had the same oppourtunities as you. Just because someone gave you this job doesn't mean you're any good at it.

Do the fans realize they fired Bill Polian and brought in a former sports writer, Marty Hurney to run their football team. Polian is laughing his ass off at the Richardson and the rest of the Richardson brain trust.

Are you kidding me? JR is VERY cheap and he won't be able to resign Beason, Williams, Stewart, and Kalil in the near future. In fact, if I were Beason or Williams I would follow Peppers lead and get out as soon as I could. that's just me.

How this team ever made the decision to cut Kenny Moore and keep Dwayne Jarrett makes on sense to me. Kenny didn't have volume catches in the preseason (quite honestly nobody did) but he definately made the toughest catches in the preseason.

This is why the front office and coaching staff need to be seriously looked at during the off-season. An easy decision (cutting DJ and keeping KM) was passed over because they didn't want to admit they made a mistake drafting DJ so high. Either way we would probably be 0-4, but if you keep KM we don't get the additional black-eye in the media.

Polian becoming GM??? HELLO? Are you seriously this stupid?? Richardson ran Polian off -- because Polian was / is a football, personnel genuis. Richardson is not, never will be. Wanting absolute power - Richardson made sure Polian left town. WHY on earth would ANYONE EVER desire leaving the Colts for the Panthers?? Gee, with such idiotic fans as those defending the likes of Marty Hurney - no wonder this organization will NEVER be elite. WAKE UP people!!! It is YOUR money being absolutely stolen.

Charlotte, the new Detroit. Panthers, the new Lions. Richardson, the new Al Davis. Remember when people in Charlotte defended George Shinn? Sheep to slaughter Panther fans. Arrogance breeds ignorance and BOTH is abundant in Panther land.

Panthers Player History - Multiple DWI charges, multiple Domestic Violence charges, one Murder charge, Drug charges, assaults of players in camp and in the locker room, and steroid use. All from an upstanding, stellar organization refusing any consideration of hiring Michael Vick. Double standard? You bet! Jerry Richardson - a legand in his own mind

Hurney and Gregory will never admit that they really screwed that 2nd pick up. It will be an excellent trivia question though. Did Jarett have more td passes or more DWI arrests? The answer is Two DWI's and one career td reception. Way to go fellas. Nice draft preparation!

Rae Carruth is a former football receiver wide in the NFL for the Carolina Panthers. In 2001, he was convicted of conspiring to murder his girlfriend and is serving a prison sentence.

Just got word that “the story of Rae Carruth: 10 Years Later’’saldrá the air outside the lines Sunday at 9 am ET on ESPN.

Here is the brief summary that was sent as part of the preview:

“A decade after then-Carolina Panther receiver Rae Carruth ordered the murder of his pregnant girlfriend, the couple’s son handed the six months following the shooting, suffers from cerebral palsy. The bullets missed the unborn child but the oxygen to your brain is interrupted. Now, 10, Chancellor Adams has learned to walk over 150 steps without help. And the man who pulled the trigger that fateful day is to seek forgiveness for having committed the crime that led to 50 years in prison. For his part, Carruth’s talking.”

Carruth has rejected all requests from the media since the incident took place. “The man who pulled the trigger,”according to what happened in court is Van Brett Watkins and he does speak. Watkins confessed to the murder and testified against Carruth to avoid the death penalty. If you remember nothing the test, you will remember that Watkins is a very outspoken person. That has not changed.

I guess Jarrett would still be a Carolina Panther if he punched out two of his teammates. Too bad he was arrested for two DUI's. I guess there is a double standard for a certain "star", who by the way, still has a temper and anger issues.

Steve Smith criminally assaulted one of his co-workers while on the job. He is still employed. Dwayne Jarrett committed an offense that has nothing to do with his employer or his job. I don't care what the Panthers do, but I believe Mr. Jarrett could become filthy rich from the resulting lawsuit if he is fired for this.

Panther fans, lend me your ears. Through the incompetence of Marty Hurney and Don Gregory, the energy has been sucked out of this franchise. The 2010 season will be the most embarrassing since the 1-15 run we have had in the past. The decision to trade away next year's second-round pick for a unproven projection, the decision to give quarterback coming off the worst postseason performance in league history for a quarterback a $20 million extension and then cut him after one season, the decision to not add a SINGLE free agent to shore up any position on the team, Hurney has GUTTED this franchise.

Their time has come and gone. John Fox and Marty Hurney have been joined at the hip since 2002 when Fox became head coach and Hurney became general manager. Yes, under their guidance, this team has had some success. But their time has past.

The quarterback position is a wreck. There STILL isn't a receiver they've found that can play besides 89. Offensive line depth is non-existent. It has gotten back to that ugly point in 2001 where you're mocked if you wear Panthers memorabilia out in public in the CITY OF CHARLOTTE HOME OF THE TEAM.

Questionable decisions have been made in the GM and coaching spots for years. Not resigning Will Witherspoon. Not drafting Joe Flacco and numerous other quarterbacks that are better than Jake Delhomme. The mostly laughable draft history since 2002. The signing of David Carr. The numerous fantastic free agents they've passed on throughout the years. The lack of halftime adjustments. Not letting players tip their hand as to what an offensive play is going to be before the snap. The same old, vanilla and conservative play-style that has driven Panther fans insane for years. To top it off, we've never had back-to-back winning seasons much less back-to-back playoff appearances and it appears like that will continue this year.

The Richardson brothers were dismissed to have a clean start in the front office. We, the good people of the Carolina Huddle, are in agreement that there should be a clean start at the GM, scouting department, and coaching positions.

Panther fans, lend me your ears. Through the incompetence of Marty Hurney and Don Gregory, the energy has been sucked out of this franchise. The 2010 season will be the most embarrassing since the 1-15 run we have had in the past. The decision to trade away next year's second-round pick for a unproven projection, the decision to give quarterback coming off the worst postseason performance in league history for a quarterback a $20 million extension and then cut him after one season, the decision to not add a SINGLE free agent to shore up any position on the team, Hurney has GUTTED this franchise.

Their time has come and gone. John Fox and Marty Hurney have been joined at the hip since 2002 when Fox became head coach and Hurney became general manager. Yes, under their guidance, this team has had some success. But their time has past.

The quarterback position is a wreck. There STILL isn't a receiver they've found that can play besides 89. Offensive line depth is non-existent. It has gotten back to that ugly point in 2001 where you're mocked if you wear Panthers memorabilia out in public in the CITY OF CHARLOTTE HOME OF THE TEAM.

Questionable decisions have been made in the GM and coaching spots for years. Not resigning Will Witherspoon. Not drafting Joe Flacco and numerous other quarterbacks that are better than Jake Delhomme. The mostly laughable draft history since 2002. The signing of David Carr. The numerous fantastic free agents they've passed on throughout the years. The lack of halftime adjustments. Not letting players tip their hand as to what an offensive play is going to be before the snap. The same old, vanilla and conservative play-style that has driven Panther fans insane for years. To top it off, we've never had back-to-back winning seasons much less back-to-back playoff appearances and it appears like that will continue this year.

The Richardson brothers were dismissed to have a clean start in the front office. We, the good people of the Carolina Huddle, are in agreement that there should be a clean start at the GM, scouting department, and coaching positions.

Panther fans, lend me your ears. Through the incompetence of Marty Hurney and Don Gregory, the energy has been sucked out of this franchise. The 2010 season will be the most embarrassing since the 1-15 run we have had in the past. The decision to trade away next year's second-round pick for a unproven projection, the decision to give quarterback coming off the worst postseason performance in league history for a quarterback a $20 million extension and then cut him after one season, the decision to not add a SINGLE free agent to shore up any position on the team, Hurney has GUTTED this franchise.

Their time has come and gone. John Fox and Marty Hurney have been joined at the hip since 2002 when Fox became head coach and Hurney became general manager. Yes, under their guidance, this team has had some success. But their time has past.

The quarterback position is a wreck. There STILL isn't a receiver they've found that can play besides 89. Offensive line depth is non-existent. It has gotten back to that ugly point in 2001 where you're mocked if you wear Panthers memorabilia out in public in the CITY OF CHARLOTTE HOME OF THE TEAM.

Questionable decisions have been made in the GM and coaching spots for years. Not resigning Will Witherspoon. Not drafting Joe Flacco and numerous other quarterbacks that are better than Jake Delhomme. The mostly laughable draft history since 2002. The signing of David Carr. The numerous fantastic free agents they've passed on throughout the years. The lack of halftime adjustments. Not letting players tip their hand as to what an offensive play is going to be before the snap. The same old, vanilla and conservative play-style that has driven Panther fans insane for years. To top it off, we've never had back-to-back winning seasons much less back-to-back playoff appearances and it appears like that will continue this year.

The Richardson brothers were dismissed to have a clean start in the front office. We, the good people of the Carolina Huddle, are in agreement that there should be a clean start at the GM, scouting department, and coaching positions.

Decent post - but you miss the obvious. Hurney and Gregory work for Jerry Richardson. Maybe one day, the local media (print, radio, and television)will grow a pair and call Richardson out - versus kissing his butt time and time again. Everyone continues focusing on the symptoms and not the disease. Just remember, Jerry Richardson witnessed first hand what an owner could do to blindly loyal fans in this city from George Shinn ... and we all know how that ended. Then he got a refresher course from Bob Johnson. Perhaps one day Charlotte will mature and realize the power is in the money. Withold financial support -- and watch how quickly winning becomes to the Fat Cat

Sounds like some punk needs a serious azz whippin. These whinyazz punks never stop do they? They are ungrateful thankless bastards who need to be tied up and horse whipped. Nothing but pos losers who couldnt buy a cup of coffee. Go jump off a bridge like one of your loser kind did last week. What a joke as the media cries like a baby. Freaks.

Any white WRs out there anymore? White RBs? White LBs? White DBs? Why are they never recruited? And yes race does matter. We need more balance & more diversity and this goes for the NBA. Its out of hand. Diversity is a 2 ways street.

Before all positions were taken over except O-line, kicker and QB there were never problems like murder, rape, drunk driving, drugs, assault etc ( and now killer Carruth wants a new trial? )

Time for a change back to the future. Whites invented sports anyway like everything else and played them 100 yrs. Clean up this mess. Diversity is not a one way street. Diversify. Recruit whites. Stop reverse racism.

Check out Mannings Indy Colts to see real diversity and non-racism in action as winners. Limbaugh needs to own an NFL team.

Panther fans, lend me your ears. Through the incompetence of Marty Hurney and Don Gregory, the energy has been sucked out of this franchise. The 2010 season will be the most embarrassing since the 1-15 run we have had in the past. The decision to trade away next year's second-round pick for a unproven projection, the decision to give quarterback coming off the worst postseason performance in league history for a quarterback a $20 million extension and then cut him after one season, the decision to not add a SINGLE free agent to shore up any position on the team, Hurney has GUTTED this franchise.

Their time has come and gone. John Fox and Marty Hurney have been joined at the hip since 2002 when Fox became head coach and Hurney became general manager. Yes, under their guidance, this team has had some success. But their time has past.

The quarterback position is a wreck. There STILL isn't a receiver they've found that can play besides 89. Offensive line depth is non-existent. It has gotten back to that ugly point in 2001 where you're mocked if you wear Panthers memorabilia out in public in the CITY OF CHARLOTTE HOME OF THE TEAM.

Questionable decisions have been made in the GM and coaching spots for years. Not resigning Will Witherspoon. Not drafting Joe Flacco and numerous other quarterbacks that are better than Jake Delhomme. The mostly laughable draft history since 2002. The signing of David Carr. The numerous fantastic free agents they've passed on throughout the years. The lack of halftime adjustments. Not letting players tip their hand as to what an offensive play is going to be before the snap. The same old, vanilla and conservative play-style that has driven Panther fans insane for years. To top it off, we've never had back-to-back winning seasons much less back-to-back playoff appearances and it appears like that will continue this year.

The Richardson brothers were dismissed to have a clean start in the front office. We, the good people of the Carolina Huddle, are in agreement that there should be a clean start at the GM, scouting department, and coaching positions.

Panther fans, lend me your ears. Through the incompetence of Marty Hurney and Don Gregory, the energy has been sucked out of this franchise. The 2010 season will be the most embarrassing since the 1-15 run we have had in the past. The decision to trade away next year's second-round pick for a unproven projection, the decision to give quarterback coming off the worst postseason performance in league history for a quarterback a $20 million extension and then cut him after one season, the decision to not add a SINGLE free agent to shore up any position on the team, Hurney has GUTTED this franchise.

Their time has come and gone. John Fox and Marty Hurney have been joined at the hip since 2002 when Fox became head coach and Hurney became general manager. Yes, under their guidance, this team has had some success. But their time has past.

The quarterback position is a wreck. There STILL isn't a receiver they've found that can play besides 89. Offensive line depth is non-existent. It has gotten back to that ugly point in 2001 where you're mocked if you wear Panthers memorabilia out in public in the CITY OF CHARLOTTE HOME OF THE TEAM.

Questionable decisions have been made in the GM and coaching spots for years. Not resigning Will Witherspoon. Not drafting Joe Flacco and numerous other quarterbacks that are better than Jake Delhomme. The mostly laughable draft history since 2002. The signing of David Carr. The numerous fantastic free agents they've passed on throughout the years. The lack of halftime adjustments. Not letting players tip their hand as to what an offensive play is going to be before the snap. The same old, vanilla and conservative play-style that has driven Panther fans insane for years. To top it off, we've never had back-to-back winning seasons much less back-to-back playoff appearances and it appears like that will continue this year.

The Richardson brothers were dismissed to have a clean start in the front office. We, the good people of the Carolina Huddle, are in agreement that there should be a clean start at the GM, scouting department, and coaching positions.

anonymous saiddont tell me you could be so good in college and so bad in the pro'sjarrett was one of the top 10 wr receivers in college the system and the plays that fox implemented screw-up jarretts tallent. why make things so complicated in the play book. the last time i check jarrett was averaging more yardage per catch than steve smith. jarrett has never gotten the chance to showcase is tallent, he was always in john fox's dog house.just throw the boy the damm ball! you know he will catch it..dont worry pete carol will be knocking at his door soon and john fox and his coaches will look like idiots.